No lectures on dog breeding please. All the pros and cons have been closely examined. Her puppies are pretty much spoken for by aquaintances and I realize that there are many unwanted dogs at the shelter. Anyways, I was told that 2 is a good age. Would 1 year be too young, what are the risks associated with a young pregnancy? Thanks.
2006-10-26 05:46:30 · 9 answers · asked by SHELTIELUVER 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Did you know that in a recent study it was found that the largest percentage of dogs in the shelters originally were aquired from friends or family? This means that your puppies have a HIGHER chance of ending up in a shelter than most.
At any rate, yes 1 year is too young (like a 13 year old gir having a baby). Your dog is neither physically, mentally or emotionally mature enough to be having babies yet. She should be at least 2 years of age. She should also have a CERF eye exam, have her hips OFA certified, and be tested for vonWillebrand's disease and thyroid disorders. Her temperament must be sound, not shy or snappy.
2006-10-26 05:53:48 · answer #1 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I know how you feel about not wanting the lectures. Too many people on here assume that just because you never have, you never should. Everyone has to start somewhere. I have considered dog breeding for many years and in the next 5, I would actually like to do it. I'm sure I'll get the same comments if I ask how to get started and do things properly and responsibly. Sadly, they should be giving proper advice asked for than critique for the fact that you want to start breeding. Maybe they're just as worried about the competition as they are "backyard breeders"
I think the first heat after the age of 2 is acceptable and better for the dog.
Be sure that you get her health properly certified by a vet (eyes, hips, etc..) and that the sire has the same. If they don't pass this, don't breed. You want to make sure your dog won't pass on any genetic defects such as hip dysplasia.
Seek out a sire with a good pedigree if you can, tho some won't breed if your female doesn't meet their standards.
Good Luck!
2006-10-26 05:54:54 · answer #2 · answered by Shadow's Melon 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would personally wait until the first heat cycle AFTER her 2 year birthday. Not necessarily because of high risks but more to rule out any unwanted possibilities. If you are going to breed at least be a responsible breeder. You should also have enough love for your dog to let her wait until she is 2 - 3 years old. Any younger than that and it would be like you having a child, or litter of children, at the age of 5 - 10 years old. I think you need to wait until your dog is more mature physically and emotionally to be able to handle the stresses of motherhood.
2006-10-26 05:54:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would have to say never. You have no idea what you're doing.
It's more than "pros and cons." The very LEAST you should know about dog breeding is the right age to do it
Melon, yeah, everyone has to start somewhere, but getting information from people on the internet is not the way to do it. You should get real life experience, advice and knowledge from a RESPONSIBLE breeder. You should know all you need to know BEFORE you attempt to become a breeder.
It's not like she's trying to start a garden. Dogs are living, breathing creatures. They feel pain and emotions. Why should they have to suffer because of someone who doesn't care enough about them to want only the best for them that they'll have "practice" breeding?
2006-10-26 05:55:14 · answer #4 · answered by jaxchick23 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
One is to young, they are not mature physically nor mentally at that age, I would wait until she is at least 2-3.
Make sure you have health tests done, heart, hearing and eyes. Shelties are notorious for health problems, especially eyes. That goes for the stud as well, you don't want to be responsible for bring a bunch of puppies into the world who go blind at 5 years old!
Nothing wrong with a litter of pets, as long as you do it right. Just so you know, Shelties usually need 'help' to breed, if not for human intervention the breed would probably die out.
2006-10-26 06:25:09 · answer #5 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
AKC will not recognize the breeding if younger than 8 months (biological reasons, not ethics reasons), so that of course is a starting point.
OFA will not certify (other than as a prelim) a dog younger than 24 months, thus the recommendation to never breed before the age of two. For the wellbeing of YOUR DOG it is best to breed between the ages of three to five years.
2006-10-26 06:06:10 · answer #6 · answered by tom l 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
18 months at the youngest. 2-years-old is best because that gives you time to do all the necessary health testing and prove her confirmation and working ability through dog shows.
Here're some info on health problems common in the Shetland Sheepdog breed:
http://www.aileashelties.com/health.htm
Showing a dog is time consuming, but it gives you a chance to have your dog's conformation judged. To reveal her faults and strengths. Then when you pick a stud dog, you can find one to compliment her (one that is strong in the areas where she is weak). example: my poodle has a soft, curly, light coat. Poodles should have a dense, tightly curled coat. The stud dog I have chosen has an excellent coat to compensate. If you can't show, you should study the Sheltie breed standard and appraise her yourself.
2006-10-26 07:11:18 · answer #7 · answered by Baby Eats World 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was a dog breeder. Three years. Give her time to fully mature. Please don't breed her more than once a year. Having babies is a tough job and takes a lot out of them. She'll need lots of food too. Jeez, you don't know the number of people who asked me why is my ***** so skinny? "Cause you don't feed her enough?? She'll pretty much need all she can eat once the pups arrive.
2006-10-26 05:54:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wait until she has finished her second cycle of heat.
2006-10-26 06:13:30 · answer #9 · answered by brandonwitt226 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋